Digital Eyestrain & how to help

More than ever, modern lifestyles require us to constantly switch between a variety of different reading objects at a range of different distances - everything from TV and computer screens to books, magazines, iPads and mobile phones.

This can lead to "Digital Eyestrain" - a group of eye-related symptoms caused by prolonged screen time. Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches and tired eyes.

In recent years, various new lens designs have been specially developed to help overcome digital eyestrain - and reading problems, in general. Advanced Varifocals and Occupational Lenses can be a great help to those of us in middle or older age groups. And Enhanced Vision lenses have been specially designed to help younger screen users.

Enhanced Vision Lenses

These help reduce digital eyestrain by having a small power increase at the bottom of the lens for close-up phone or reading vision. They give a gentle boost for younger patients who wear glasses but don't yet require a separate prescription for near vision

Single Vision Reading Lenses

If you haven't needed glasses before, most people find that by their mid-40's it becomes difficult to focus for near vision. Single Vision reading lenses will allow you to read comfortably again at your normal reading distance. However, your vision will probably be blurred when looking in the distance or at TV. Also, your normal reading prescription may be too strong for computer screen distance.

Advanced Varifocal Lenses

Varifocals are ideal for over-40's who require separate glasses for reading. They are specially designed to help you see clearly at all ranges from long distance to reading and all points in between. That means you can see to drive, watch TV, read a book or magazine and look at your phone or computer with just one pair of glasses.

Also, unlike bifocals, varifocals allow you to see clearly at that awkward intermediate, arms-length range - such as when looking at supermarket shelves or your car dashboard.

Modern advanced Varifocals offer particularly sophisticated designs which are distortion-free and offer wider reading areas. That makes them easier than ever to get used to.

Single Vision Computer Lenses

Varifocals usually work well for laptop and computer use. However, they are not always ideal for some desktop computers. That's because desktop computer screens are usually positioned at a higher level and at a longer working distance than normal reading materials.

One simple solution is to have a pair of single vision computer lenses specifically prescribed for your screen distance. However, these can be limiting if you need to see well at other ranges as well.

Occupational Lenses

Occupational lenses offer a more versatile option for certain job-related tasks. For instance, if you work on a computer, but also need to see clearly at closer distances for deskwork or your phone. 

Various designs of occupational lens are available to suit all workplace scenarios - including ones that allow slightly longer ranges to help you see across a room or take part in meetings.

For more information on lens options best suited to your individual needs, please do get in touch. We are happy to help.